A Review of the veterinarian's role in the handling of down/disabled cattle

Authors

  • Deborah A. Stark Veterinary Laboratory Services Branch, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Box 3612, Guelph, Ontario, N2H 6R8, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol1995no29p125-127

Keywords:

animal welfare, diagnosis, emergencies, paralysis, parturient paresis, prognosis, slaughter

Abstract

Veterinarians are keenly interested in animal welfare issues and are contributing to the discussions and educational programs at local, provincial and federal levels, but livestock welfare begins at the farm. Besides promoting humane handling of livestock, exactly what should bovine practitioners do to help their clients deal with down cows?

The American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) has stated that bovine practitioners have three key roles in the care and handling of down/disabled animals.
They are:
• to help prevent conditions leading to ambulatory problems
• to provide an early and accurate prognosis
• to recommend appropriate disposition alternatives.

Cover image of the 29th Volume of the Bovine Practitioner: a photo of the San Antonio Riverwalk as seen from a riverside restaurant. Tables of patrons converse and watch a docking riverboat filled with passengers.

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Published

1995-09-01

Issue

No. 29 (1995 September)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

A Review of the veterinarian’s role in the handling of down/disabled cattle. (1995). The Bovine Practitioner, 1995(29), 125-127. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol1995no29p125-127